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B1 preposition, adjective, noun, conjunction #14 most common 15 min read

plus

Top 14

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips plus in 30 Seconds

Explanation plus in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'plus' is mainly used for simple math. It means 'and' when you are adding numbers together. For example, 'One plus one is two.' You might also see it as a symbol (+). It is a very basic word that helps you talk about totals and shopping. You use it when you want to say that you are putting two things together to get a bigger number. It is one of the first words you learn in English because it is so useful for counting and basic life tasks. You don't need to worry about the other meanings yet; just focus on using it for numbers and simple additions.

At the A2 level, you start to use 'plus' to add extra information to a sentence, similar to 'and'. For example, 'I like the house. Plus, it is near the park.' Here, you are giving a second reason why you like the house. You might also hear 'plus' when people talk about ages or amounts, like 'He is 20 plus,' which means he is more than 20 years old. It is a friendly, easy word to use when you want to keep talking and add more ideas. You are moving beyond just math and starting to use it as a connector in your daily conversations.

At the B1 level, you use 'plus' more naturally as a noun and a preposition. You understand that a 'plus' is a benefit or an advantage. For example, 'Good computer skills are a plus for this job.' You also use it to connect clauses in informal speech to provide additional reasons or facts. You are comfortable using it in phrases like 'plus-one' for a guest or 'A-plus' for a grade. You can distinguish between 'plus' and 'and' and use 'plus' to emphasize that the second point is a bonus. Your usage is becoming more varied and reflects a better understanding of conversational English.

At the B2 level, you use 'plus' with greater precision and awareness of register. You know that while 'plus' is great for speaking, you should use 'furthermore' or 'in addition' in formal writing. You understand the grammatical rule that 'plus' as a preposition doesn't make a subject plural (e.g., 'The cake plus the ice cream is delicious'). You can use 'plus' to describe complex situations, like 'plus-sum games' or 'plus-minus' margins in sports or statistics. You use the word to add nuance to your arguments, often using it to introduce a final, persuasive point that clinches your position.

At the C1 level, you use 'plus' with sophisticated ease, often using it rhetorically to add layers to your discourse. You are aware of its branding power in modern culture (like 'streaming plus' services) and can discuss the implications of such terminology. You use 'plus' in academic or professional contexts only when appropriate, showing a keen sense of social and professional register. You might use it as an adjective in compound forms effortlessly. Your understanding of 'plus' includes its Latin roots and its evolution into a symbol of modern consumerism and digital expansion. You can use it to summarize complex benefits succinctly.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'plus' is complete. You can use it in all its forms—noun, adjective, preposition, and conjunction—with perfect grammatical accuracy and stylistic flair. You might use it in philosophical or economic discussions to describe additive properties or cumulative effects. You are sensitive to the subtle difference in tone between 'plus', 'moreover', and 'additionally', and you choose 'plus' specifically when you want to create a sense of spontaneous addition or informal emphasis. You can analyze the use of 'plus' in literature or media and understand how it functions as a linguistic tool for persuasion and growth.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

plus in 30 Seconds

A versatile word used for mathematical addition and to signal extra benefits or information.
Commonly functions as a preposition, noun, adjective, and informal conjunction in daily English.
Indicates a positive quality or an advantage when used as a noun (e.g., 'a big plus').
Used in grades (A+) and to estimate amounts (50+) to show a higher value.

The word 'plus' is a versatile powerhouse in the English language, originating from the Latin word for 'more'. At its most fundamental level, it serves as a mathematical operator, but its utility extends far beyond the classroom. When we use 'plus', we are essentially signaling an addition, an increase, or a supplementary benefit. In everyday conversation, it acts as a bridge between ideas, often replacing 'and' or 'also' to emphasize that what follows is an extra advantage or a secondary point that strengthens the previous one. For instance, when evaluating a job offer, one might say the salary is good, 'plus' the benefits are excellent. Here, 'plus' elevates the benefits from a mere list item to a significant contributing factor. It is this sense of 'added value' that makes the word so prevalent in business, marketing, and personal decision-making.

Mathematical Preposition: In arithmetic, 'plus' indicates the sum of two numbers. It is the verbal representation of the '+' symbol. When you say 'five plus five,' you are performing the operation of addition to reach the total of ten.

The total cost will be the price of the laptop plus the applicable sales tax.

Beyond the rigid world of numbers, 'plus' functions as a noun to describe a positive quality or a benefit. If someone says, 'Having a car in the city is a plus,' they are identifying the vehicle as an asset. This usage is common in performance reviews or product descriptions where features are highlighted as 'pluses'. Furthermore, as an adjective, it describes something that is extra or falls on the positive side of a scale, such as 'plus-size' clothing or a 'B-plus' grade. The word carries an inherent optimism; it is rarely associated with loss or negativity, unless used in the context of 'plus or minus' to indicate a margin of error. In modern digital contexts, 'plus' is often used in branding (like Disney+ or Apple TV+) to suggest a premium version of a service that offers more than the standard experience.

Conjunction-like Usage: Informally, 'plus' often starts a sentence to introduce an additional thought. 'I don't want to go. Plus, I have no money.' This usage is very common in spoken English to provide a final, often decisive, reason for something.

The hotel has a great view, plus it is very close to the train station.

The word also appears in the phrase 'plus-one', referring to a guest brought to an event. This social convention highlights the word's role in expansion—taking a single unit and adding another to it. In scientific and technical fields, 'plus' is used to denote positive charges or values above zero. Whether you are talking about 'plus-four' golf trousers or a 'plus-sum game' in economics where everyone wins, the core concept remains the same: the presence of something extra, something positive, or something added to a baseline. It is a word of growth and accumulation, making it essential for discussing progress and advantages in any field of study or daily life interaction.

Experience in marketing is a huge plus for this specific job role.

Adjective Usage: When used as an adjective, it often follows a number or a grade to show it is slightly higher. For example, 'A 70 plus score' means a score of 70 or more. In fashion, 'plus-size' refers to sizes larger than the average range.

She received a grade of B plus on her final history essay.

The new software is faster, plus it includes a built-in security scanner.

Using 'plus' correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility. As a preposition, it functions similarly to 'with' or 'added to'. You place it between two nouns or noun phrases. For example, 'Your rent plus utilities will come to one thousand dollars.' In this sentence, 'plus' connects two financial obligations. It is important to note that when 'plus' connects two subjects, the verb usually remains singular if the first subject is singular, though this is a point of debate among grammarians. For instance, 'The main course plus a side dish is included' is generally preferred over 'are included' because 'plus' is treated as a preposition rather than a coordinating conjunction like 'and'.

Sentence Placement: When using 'plus' to mean 'in addition to', it can appear in the middle of a sentence to join items. When used informally to mean 'also', it often appears at the beginning of a clause, preceded by a comma or a semicolon.

I have to work late tonight, plus I need to stop by the grocery store on my way home.

As a noun, 'plus' is often preceded by an article like 'a' or 'the' or an adjective like 'big' or 'major'. You might say, 'The proximity to the beach is a major plus for this hotel.' Here, 'plus' is the object of the sentence, representing a specific benefit. In the plural form, 'pluses', it is used to list multiple advantages. 'We weighed the pluses and minuses of moving to a new city.' This balanced structure is a common way to describe a pros-and-cons analysis. In mathematical contexts, 'plus' is never capitalized unless it starts a sentence, and it is usually flanked by numbers: 'Two plus two equals four.'

Comparative Use: 'Plus' can be used to indicate a value that is slightly higher than a round number. 'He is 40 plus' implies he is over forty years old. This is a shorthand way of saying 'forty or more'.

The temperature today is expected to be thirty plus degrees Celsius.

In the context of grades, 'plus' is an adjective that follows the letter grade. 'She was thrilled to get an A-plus on her chemistry exam.' Note that there is often a hyphen used when 'plus' is part of a compound adjective, like 'plus-size' or 'plus-four'. However, when it stands alone as a noun or preposition, no hyphen is needed. Another interesting usage is 'plus-one', which can be a noun: 'Did you bring a plus-one to the wedding?' or a verb in very informal, tech-heavy contexts: 'I'll plus-one that idea,' meaning 'I agree with or support that idea'.

There are twenty plus people waiting in line for the new phone release.

The 'Plus' Factor: This idiomatic expression refers to an extra quality that makes someone or something better than others. 'She has the talent, but her work ethic is the plus factor that will make her a star.'

The house is beautiful, plus it has a huge backyard for the kids to play in.

Knowing a second language is a definite plus in the international business world.

You will encounter 'plus' in a variety of settings, ranging from the highly technical to the completely casual. In a professional environment, particularly in business meetings or marketing presentations, 'plus' is used to highlight 'value-adds'. A salesperson might say, 'Our service includes 24/7 support, plus a dedicated account manager.' Here, 'plus' is used strategically to make the offering sound more comprehensive and attractive. In financial news, you might hear about 'plus-side' earnings or 'plus-growth', indicating positive movement in the market. It is a word that signals success and accumulation, making it a favorite in corporate jargon.

Academic Settings: From elementary school math to university-level physics, 'plus' is the standard term for addition. Professors use it when explaining formulas, and students use it when discussing their grades, such as 'I need a B-plus to keep my scholarship.'

The formula is 'a' squared plus 'b' squared equals 'c' squared.

In social contexts, 'plus' is ubiquitous. When friends are making plans, one might say, 'We can go to the movies, plus there's that new dessert place nearby.' In this case, 'plus' is used to sweeten the deal. You'll also hear it at weddings or formal parties when discussing 'plus-ones'. A common question is, 'Does my invitation include a plus-one?' This refers to the permission to bring a guest. In the world of fashion and retail, 'plus-size' is the standard term for clothing designed for larger bodies, appearing on labels and in store section names. It is also common in the tech world, where 'plus' is often appended to product names (e.g., iPhone 14 Plus) to indicate a larger screen or better features.

News and Media: News anchors often use 'plus' to transition between related stories. 'The city is seeing record heat, plus a shortage of water in some districts.' It serves as a quick, efficient way to link two negative or positive developments.

The company reported a profit of ten million plus dollars this quarter.

Finally, you will hear 'plus' in the context of streaming services and digital subscriptions. With the rise of 'Disney+', 'Paramount+', and 'Discovery+', the word has become synonymous with 'premium content'. In these instances, the 'plus' isn't even spoken as a word sometimes; it's just the symbol '+', but everyone knows it represents the word 'plus'. This branding strategy relies on the consumer's subconscious association of 'plus' with 'more' and 'better'. Whether you are checking the weather ('ten plus degrees'), shopping for clothes, or calculating a tip, 'plus' is a constant companion in the modern English-speaking world.

The subscription costs five dollars a month, plus tax.

Everyday Math: In simple daily transactions: 'That will be four dollars for the coffee, plus two dollars for the muffin, so six dollars total, please.'

The flight takes six hours, plus the time it takes to get through security.

He has thirty plus years of experience in the engineering field.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with 'plus' is using it as a direct replacement for 'and' in formal writing. While 'plus' and 'and' both indicate addition, 'and' is a coordinating conjunction, whereas 'plus' is technically a preposition. In a formal essay, writing 'The research was thorough, plus it was well-funded' is considered too informal. A better choice would be 'The research was thorough; furthermore, it was well-funded.' Using 'plus' to start a sentence is very common in speech, but it should be avoided in academic or professional documents unless you are listing items in a very direct, bullet-point style.

Subject-Verb Agreement: As mentioned earlier, 'plus' does not create a plural subject. 'The manager plus her assistant is coming' is grammatically correct because 'plus her assistant' is a prepositional phrase. Many people mistakenly use 'are' in this situation.

Incorrect: Two plus two are four. Correct: Two plus two is four (or equals four).

Another common error is confusing 'plus' with 'positive'. While they are related, they are not interchangeable. You would say 'a positive result' on a test, not 'a plus result'. 'Plus' is used for the operation or the benefit itself, while 'positive' is the adjective describing the nature of the result. Similarly, in temperatures, we say 'five degrees' or 'plus five degrees' (though 'plus' is often omitted), but we describe the temperature as 'positive' in a scientific context. Another mistake is using 'plus' when 'extra' or 'additional' would be more precise. For example, 'I need plus time' is incorrect; it should be 'I need extra time' or 'I need more time'.

Redundancy: Avoid saying 'and plus'. This is redundant because both words serve the same purpose of adding information. Choose one or the other. 'I'm tired, and I'm hungry' or 'I'm tired, plus I'm hungry.'

He has a lot of experience, plus he is very hard-working (Not: and plus he is...).

Learners also sometimes struggle with the placement of 'plus' when using it to mean 'more than'. It should follow the number, not precede it, in most casual contexts. 'There were 50 plus people' is correct, whereas 'There were plus 50 people' sounds like you are reading a mathematical equation. Finally, be careful with the pronunciation of the 'u'. It is a short 'u' sound /plʌs/, like in 'bus' or 'cup'. Some learners mistakenly pronounce it with a long 'u' sound like 'plues', which can lead to confusion. Mastery of 'plus' involves knowing when to use it for emphasis and when to stick to more formal connectors.

The car is expensive, plus the insurance is very high.

Confusion with 'Also': While 'plus' can mean 'also', it usually introduces a *new* reason or fact. 'Also' can be used more flexibly within a sentence. 'I also like pizza' is better than 'I plus like pizza' (which is incorrect).

The movie was too long, plus the acting was quite poor.

I don't have time to go out, plus I'm trying to save money.

To enrich your vocabulary, it is helpful to know when to use 'plus' and when to opt for a synonym. The most direct mathematical synonym is 'added to'. In a formal context, instead of saying 'two plus two', you might say 'two added to two'. When using 'plus' to mean an advantage, 'benefit', 'asset', 'advantage', or 'pro' are excellent alternatives. For example, 'Her experience is a plus' can be rewritten as 'Her experience is a significant asset.' Each of these words carries a slightly different weight; 'asset' sounds more professional, while 'plus' is more conversational.

Plus vs. And: 'And' is the most common connector. Use 'and' for simple lists. Use 'plus' when you want to highlight that the second item is an extra or a bonus. 'I bought bread and milk' vs. 'I bought bread, plus some treats for the dog.'

The apartment is spacious, plus it has a balcony with a great view.

When 'plus' is used as a conjunction to add information, formal alternatives include 'furthermore', 'moreover', 'in addition', and 'additionally'. These are much better suited for academic writing or business reports. For instance, 'The company is expanding; furthermore, it is hiring fifty new employees.' In casual speech, you might use 'also', 'as well', or 'to boot'. 'He's a great singer and a dancer to boot!' is a fun, idiomatic way to express the same idea as 'plus he's a dancer'. Another alternative for 'plus' in the sense of 'more than' is 'upwards of' or 'in excess of'. 'There were upwards of 100 people' sounds more formal than '100 plus people'.

Plus vs. Also: 'Also' usually fits inside the sentence: 'He also plays guitar.' 'Plus' usually joins two complete thoughts: 'He plays piano, plus he plays guitar.'

The new gym is very close, plus the membership is quite affordable.

In the context of grades, 'plus' is unique, but in other evaluative contexts, you might use 'superior' or 'enhanced'. For example, a 'plus' version of a product is often called the 'Pro', 'Max', or 'Premium' version. Understanding these nuances allows you to choose the word that best fits the tone of your conversation or writing. Whether you want to sound casual and energetic or formal and precise, knowing the alternatives to 'plus' gives you greater control over your message. Remember that 'plus' always carries a sense of 'more', so any alternative should reflect that additive nature.

The location is a big plus for the new office building.

Plus vs. Extra: 'Extra' implies something beyond what is necessary. 'Plus' implies something that adds value to what is already there. 'I need extra napkins' vs. 'The meal was great, plus the service was fast.'

The hotel offers free breakfast, plus a complimentary shuttle to the airport.

Being able to work from home is a huge plus for many employees.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"The proposed budget includes the initial investment plus projected interest."

Neutral

"The apartment is nice, plus it's close to work."

Informal

"I'm too tired to go out. Plus, I'm broke."

Child friendly

"Two plus two is four!"

Slang

"I'll plus-one that!"

Fun Fact

The '+' symbol was actually a shorthand for the Latin word 'et' (and), which eventually evolved into the plus sign we use today.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /plʌs/

US /plʌs/

Single syllable, so the stress is on the entire word.

Rhymes With

bus us thus fuss muss cuss truss discuss

Common Errors

Pronouncing it like 'ploos' (long u).
Forgetting to pronounce the final 's'.
Adding an extra 's' sound at the end.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize the symbol and the word in context.

Writing 3/5

Requires care with formal vs. informal usage and subject-verb agreement.

Speaking 2/5

Very common and easy to pronounce correctly.

Listening 2/5

Clear sound, though can be missed in very fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

and more add number good

Learn Next

furthermore moreover advantage benefit minus

Advanced

surplus incremental cumulative additive nonplus

Grammar to Know

Prepositional Subject

The book plus the pen is (not are) on the table.

Informal Conjunction

I'm hungry, plus I'm thirsty. (Use a comma before plus).

Mathematical Verb

Five plus five equals (or is) ten.

Adjective Placement

He is 60 plus. (Follows the noun/number).

Compound Hyphenation

She is a plus-size model. (Use hyphen for compound adjectives).

Examples by Level

Two plus three equals five.

2 + 3 = 5

'Plus' is used as a preposition here.

What is ten plus ten?

What is 10 + 10?

Used in a question about addition.

I have one apple plus one orange.

I have 1 apple and 1 orange.

Simple addition of objects.

Five plus zero is five.

5 + 0 = 5

Basic math rule.

The price is five dollars plus tax.

$5 + tax

Common usage in shopping.

One plus two plus three is six.

1 + 2 + 3 = 6

Multiple additions in one sequence.

Six plus four is ten.

6 + 4 = 10

Simple arithmetic.

Is it four plus one?

Is it 4 + 1?

Interrogative use.

The room is big, plus it has a window.

The room is large and has a window.

Used to add a positive detail.

He is fifty plus years old.

He is over 50.

'Plus' means 'more than' here.

I'm tired, plus I have a headache.

I'm tired and my head hurts.

Adding a second negative feeling.

The hotel is cheap, plus it's near the beach.

The hotel is inexpensive and close to the sea.

Adding a benefit.

There were twenty plus people at the party.

More than 20 people.

Used to estimate a quantity.

She has a car, plus she is a good driver.

She has a car and drives well.

Adding a related positive fact.

The cake is delicious, plus it was easy to make.

The cake tastes good and was simple to bake.

Adding a reason for liking something.

I need a pen, plus some paper.

I need a pen and paper.

Adding an item to a request.

Having a driver's license is a big plus.

It is a great advantage.

'Plus' is used as a noun here.

The salary is good, plus there are many benefits.

The pay is good and there are extras.

Connecting two positive work aspects.

She got an A-plus on her final project.

The highest possible grade.

Used as an adjective for a grade.

Can I bring a plus-one to the wedding?

Can I bring a guest?

'Plus-one' is a common social term.

The new phone is faster, plus the battery lasts longer.

It's faster and has better battery life.

Comparing features.

It's a great city, plus the people are very friendly.

It's a nice city and people are kind.

Adding a social benefit.

Experience is a plus, but not required.

Experience is an advantage.

Used to describe a desirable quality.

The flight was on time, plus the food was good.

The flight was punctual and the meal was nice.

Adding a positive travel detail.

The location is a plus, but the rent is quite high.

The place is good, but expensive.

Contrasting a 'plus' with a 'minus'.

The main course plus a drink is fifteen dollars.

Food and drink together cost $15.

Note the singular verb 'is' after 'plus'.

He has thirty plus years of experience in law.

Over 30 years of experience.

Professional use for long duration.

The new software is efficient, plus it's very secure.

It works well and is safe.

Highlighting technical advantages.

The company offers a bonus, plus extra vacation days.

Money and more time off.

Listing employee perks.

I don't want to go; plus, I've already seen that movie.

I don't want to go, and I've seen it.

Using 'plus' to reinforce a decision.

The pluses of the plan far outweigh the minuses.

The benefits are more than the drawbacks.

Plural noun usage.

She has a master's degree, plus she speaks three languages.

She has a degree and is trilingual.

Listing high-level qualifications.

The design is sleek, plus it incorporates sustainable materials.

It looks good and is eco-friendly.

Adding a sophisticated technical detail.

His charisma is a definite plus in his political career.

His charm is a clear advantage.

Describing a personality trait as an asset.

The service is available 24/7, plus it offers global support.

Always available and worldwide.

Highlighting professional service features.

The project was completed on time, plus it was under budget.

Finished punctually and cheaply.

Adding a significant financial benefit.

She is an expert in her field, plus she is a gifted mentor.

She is an expert and a good teacher.

Adding a professional interpersonal skill.

The new policy is fair, plus it is easy to implement.

The rule is just and simple to start.

Adding a practical advantage.

The museum has a great collection, plus the entry is free.

Good art and no cost.

Adding a major public benefit.

He has a sharp mind, plus an incredible memory for detail.

He is smart and remembers everything.

Adding a cognitive advantage.

The inherent pluses of the system ensure its long-term viability.

The built-in benefits make it last.

Using 'pluses' in a formal, abstract way.

The strategy is sound, plus it aligns with our core values.

The plan is good and matches our ethics.

Adding a high-level ethical alignment.

Her contribution was vital, plus it inspired the entire team.

Her work was key and motivating.

Adding a psychological benefit.

The research provides data, plus it offers a new theoretical framework.

It gives facts and a new theory.

Adding an academic advantage.

The investment is low-risk, plus it promises high returns.

Safe and profitable.

Adding a financial incentive.

The architecture is stunning, plus it is remarkably functional.

Beautiful and works well.

Adding a practical design benefit.

His leadership is a major plus during times of crisis.

His leading is a big asset in hard times.

Describing a situational asset.

The software is open-source, plus it has a vibrant community.

Free code and many helpers.

Adding a social-technical benefit.

Common Collocations

a big plus

plus or minus

plus tax

plus-size

A-plus

plus-one

plus factor

twenty plus

plus points

plus-sum game

Common Phrases

plus and minus

— The advantages and disadvantages of a situation.

We need to look at the plus and minus of the deal.

plus-one

— A person who accompanies an invited guest to an event.

Does the invitation include a plus-one?

plus-size

— Clothing sizes designed for larger people.

The store has a great plus-size range.

A-plus

— The highest possible grade or excellent quality.

Your performance was A-plus today.

plus or minus

— Used to show a range of possible values.

It will take ten minutes, plus or minus two.

the plus factor

— An extra quality that makes something better.

Her enthusiasm is the plus factor.

fifty plus

— More than fifty, often referring to age.

This club is for the fifty plus crowd.

plus tax

— The price does not include the tax yet.

The meal is twenty dollars plus tax.

plus shipping

— The price does not include the cost of delivery.

It's ten dollars plus shipping.

on the plus side

— Looking at the positive aspects of a situation.

On the plus side, we didn't lose any money.

Often Confused With

plus vs and

'And' is a general connector; 'plus' emphasizes an addition or benefit.

plus vs positive

'Positive' is an adjective for a state; 'plus' is the act of adding or the benefit itself.

plus vs more

'More' is a comparative; 'plus' is an additive preposition.

Idioms & Expressions

"a plus-one"

— An extra guest at a social event.

I'm looking for a plus-one for the party.

informal

"plus and minus"

— Pros and cons.

Let's weigh the plus and minus.

neutral

"on the plus side"

— Considering the positive aspects.

On the plus side, the weather is nice.

neutral

"A-plus effort"

— Maximum or excellent effort.

You gave an A-plus effort on that project.

informal

"plus or minus"

— Approximately.

I'll be there at five, plus or minus.

neutral

"the plus factor"

— The hidden advantage.

That's the plus factor in our strategy.

business

"plus-sum"

— A situation where everyone can win.

This is a plus-sum negotiation.

academic

"plus-four"

— A type of short trousers for golf.

He wore his plus-fours to the course.

old-fashioned

"plus-size"

— Larger than average size.

She is a plus-size model.

neutral

"plus-minus"

— A statistic in sports showing impact.

His plus-minus was the best on the team.

sports

Easily Confused

plus vs plus

Both relate to addition.

'Plus' is the operator/preposition; 'addition' is the noun for the process.

The addition of the new wing was a plus for the hospital.

plus vs surplus

Both mean 'more'.

'Surplus' means an excess or 'too much'; 'plus' is just an addition.

We have a surplus of food, which is a plus.

plus vs extra

Both mean 'more'.

'Extra' is usually an adjective for something outside the norm; 'plus' is the link.

The extra room is a plus.

plus vs also

Both add info.

'Also' is an adverb; 'plus' is a preposition/conjunction.

He is also tall, plus he is fast.

plus vs bonus

Both mean benefit.

'Bonus' is usually a specific reward; 'plus' is a general advantage.

The bonus was a big plus.

Sentence Patterns

[Number] plus [Number] is [Total]

Three plus three is six.

[Clause], plus [Clause]

It's cold, plus it's dark.

[Noun] is a [Adjective] plus

The pool is a big plus.

[Grade]-plus

I got a B-plus.

[Number]-plus [Noun]

There are 40-plus students.

[Noun] plus [Noun] [Singular Verb]

The steak plus the wine is $50.

On the plus side, [Clause]

On the plus side, we are early.

The [Adjective] pluses of [Noun]

The inherent pluses of the technology.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written English.

Common Mistakes

Two plus two are four. → Two plus two is four.
'Plus' is a preposition, not a conjunction that creates a plural subject.
I like him, plus he is also kind. → I like him, plus he is kind.
'Plus' and 'also' are redundant when used together in this way.
He is more than 50 plus. → He is 50 plus.
'More than' and 'plus' mean the same thing here; using both is redundant.
The plus of this car is the speed. → The plus point of this car is the speed.
While 'plus' can be a noun, 'plus point' or 'advantage' often sounds more natural in this context.
I need plus money. → I need more money.
'Plus' cannot be used as a comparative adjective before a noun.

Tips

Subject-Verb Agreement

Always remember that 'plus' does not make a subject plural. 'The manager plus her team is attending.'

Formal Writing

Avoid using 'plus' as a conjunction in essays. Use 'furthermore' for a more academic tone.

Emphasis

Use 'plus' to add a 'kicker' or a final persuasive point at the end of a list of reasons.

Noun Usage

Use 'a plus' instead of 'a good thing' to sound more concise and professional in business.

Simple Addition

In math, 'plus' is the verbal form of '+'. Practice saying equations out loud to improve fluency.

Invitations

Always clarify if you have a 'plus-one' before bringing a guest to an event.

Pricing

Look for 'plus tax' on price tags in the US, as tax is often added at the register.

Sizing

'Plus-size' usually starts at size 14 or 16 in US women's clothing.

Branding

Recognize that '+' in a product name usually means 'extra features' or 'larger size'.

Short U

The 'u' in 'plus' is short. Practice saying 'bus, cup, plus' to get the sound right.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the 'plus' sign (+) as two sticks crossed to make *more* wood. 'Plus' always means *more*.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant green '+' sign sitting on top of a mountain of gold coins. It represents adding more wealth.

Word Web

addition benefit more extra positive advantage sum bonus

Challenge

Try to use 'plus' three times in a conversation today: once for math, once for a benefit, and once as a connector.

Word Origin

From the Latin word 'plus', which is the comparative of 'multus' (much).

Original meaning: More, in greater number or quantity.

Italic -> Latin -> Middle English.

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'plus-size'; while it is the standard industry term, some people prefer 'curvy' or 'extended sizes'.

In the US and UK, 'plus-one' is a standard social expectation for weddings. Not offering a plus-one can sometimes be seen as a social slight.

Disney+ The Plus One (movie) A+ (grading system)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Mathematics

two plus two
plus or minus
sum plus

Job Interviews

a definite plus
experience is a plus
skills plus

Shopping

price plus tax
plus shipping
plus-size clothing

Social Events

bring a plus-one
invite plus one
guest plus one

Evaluations

A-plus grade
plus points
pluses and minuses

Conversation Starters

"What is a major plus of living in your current city?"

"Do you think having a lot of hobbies is a plus for a person?"

"When you buy a phone, is a good camera a big plus for you?"

"Is it a plus to work from home, or do you prefer the office?"

"What are the pluses of learning a new language?"

Journal Prompts

Write about a time when an extra benefit (a plus) changed your mind about a decision.

List the pluses and minuses of your current job or school.

Describe your ideal 'plus-one' for a dream vacation.

How does the concept of 'plus' (always wanting more) affect our society?

Write a story where a small 'plus' leads to a huge discovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Technically, it is a preposition, but in informal speech, it is often used as a coordinating conjunction to join two independent clauses. In formal writing, it is best to use 'and' or 'furthermore' instead.

You should use 'is'. When you say 'A plus B', 'plus B' is a prepositional phrase, so the subject 'A' remains singular. Example: 'The apple plus the pear is on the table.'

It means forty or more. It is a way to give an estimate when you know the number is at least forty but could be higher.

In casual conversation, yes. In formal writing, it is discouraged. Use 'Additionally' or 'Moreover' instead to sound more professional.

No, it can be used for any social event where you are allowed to bring a guest, such as a party, a dinner, or a gala.

'Plus' is the act of adding or a benefit. 'Positive' describes a state, like a positive number or a positive attitude. You wouldn't say 'a plus attitude'.

Both 'pluses' and 'plusses' are correct, but 'pluses' is more common in modern English.

It is the highest grade possible in many school systems, usually representing a score of 97-100%.

It refers to the margin of error. If a result is 50% plus or minus 3%, the actual value is likely between 47% and 53%.

No, it is the standard industry term in fashion. However, always be mindful of the context and the person you are speaking to.